Bristol's Empire Amateur Boxing Club are celebrating after waging a successful campaign against the credit crunch.

Despite the threat posed by the looming recession, the Bristol business community has thrown its weight behind a sport which is sure to feature prominently when London stages the Olympic Games in 2012.

And members of the city's long-established Empire Club are now benefiting from a sizeable sponsorship windfall, courtesy of Bristol-based companies. Management committee member Paul Blowen was charged with the task of raising much-needed funds to keep the cash-strapped club afloat and his efforts were rewarded when Swift Scaffolding, Winstone Windows and Design Scaffolding offered their support.

Club secretary Martin Bisp explained: "We don't charge much in the way of subscriptions, so we're always looking for alternative ways to raise cash.

"Thanks to Paul efforts, we will now be able to kit our boxers out with brand new tracksuits. These will not only generate pride and a sense of identity among the boxers, but also improve the club's image when we attend tournaments.

"We're delighted these companies want to support a club which is at the heart of the local community."

Downend Police ABC will fly the flag for the West Country at the Hvidovre Box Cup in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, on March 13. Thirteen-year-old Billy Hearle and 16-year-olds Charlie Cooper and Jake Jones will represent the club against opposition from across Europe.

Coach Craig Turner said: "This is a great opportunity for the kids to box abroad and experience the taste of international competition. It will go a long way towards advancing their performance on the domestic scene."

Meanwhile, the National Smelting Co ABC is looking to recruit coaches for its gyms in Avonmouth and Patchway. The club boasts 25 carded boxers, a fully kitted-out gym with bags and rings and stages five shows a year at the Patchway Sports Centre.

A new 2,000 sq ft purpose-built boxing gym is set to open in Avonmouth in February, and head coach Garry Cave said: "We're looking for more coaches to join our team. If you're an ex-boxer, a boxing tutor, an assistant or a full coach, we would like to hear from you."

Further details can be obtained by calling Garry Cave on 07876 233621.